An introduction to some of the members of the volleyball program.
Kira Porter
Junior; Lake Tahoe, NV,
Major: Marketing
Why did you choose Howard?
It was really important for me to be part of a winning program and that was something I found in Howard. It is a popular school for my family as I have a lot of family from the south in which HBCUs are a big deal.
How did you learn of Howard?
I really didn’t know much about the school originally living on the west coast. Coach Shaun came to a qualifier in Las Vegas and passed on his card. My dad being from Atlanta was familiar with Howard so I decided to take a hard look at the school. I was dead set on going to school in California but once I learned more about the volleyball program, the prestige of the school, and the alumni influence it became a serious option.
What were your first Impressions?
Seriously, don’t laugh but my first impression was the movie, Stomp the Yard and thinking I didn’t know something like this really existed. I was immediately turned on by the culture and seeing a campus full of black students supporting and motivating each other to succeed.
What is your volleyball playing background?
I was exposed to the sport from an early age. My mom played at the same high school and won a state championship. I started playing competitively in the 7th grade but was around the sport basically my whole life.
What are some of the demographic differences between your high school/club teams in comparison to Howard?
I was one of three African-American girls in my whole school and the only one on my high school team. There were two of us on my club team. The cool thing about playing at Howard is not only do we have a team of girls who look like me but girls from all over the country who bring different experiences.
What are your thoughts on the Howard program?
I love our team. Each year is interesting because we are adding new girls into the fold so we have to adjust. It’s a clean slate but the goal is the same, get rings! I really like our coaches. They are consistent and they challenge and push us to be our best.
What misconceptions have you heard about HBCU volleyball?
That we can’t compete against the top teams in the country. We were able to take a set off of Penn State last year and held Stanford to one of their lowest hitting percentages this year.
Why should others consider Howard or other HBCUs?
We maybe don’t have all the resources as some of the larger schools but would like to see more African-American girls take a serious look at what they have to offer. It is a different experience but a positive one.
What is your greatest memory outside of the Africa trip?
Probably a combination of all the championship tournament wins, being the most outstanding players of conference tournament, and winning the tournament on our home court this past season.
Courtney Dalton
Senior; Piscataway, New Jersey
Major: Chemistry, Pre-Med emphasis
Why did you choose Howard?
I knew I really wanted to play volleyball in college but was dead set against going to a HBCU. I was familiar with Howard because it’s a household name but didn’t know too much about it. I visited and it was better than I expected. I loved the culture and I knew it was something I wouldn’t find anywhere else.
How did you learn of Howard?
Shaun saw me play at the Capitol Hill Classic here in DC. After watching us play he shared his information with my coach and that started my recruitment.
What were your first Impressions?
My first impression was man there are a lot of bricks on campus when looking at the buildings! I also noticed how the students on campus were a true community. Everyone was so willing to help out. It wasn’t a competition, people were really about making sure everyone would succeed.
What is your volleyball playing background?
I started playing volleyball late. I was primarily a cheerleader then fell into it and started playing the first time during the club season of my freshman year. There was a club that had a name that reminded me of a cheer team so I tried out for it. I wasn’t very good at first but as I learned I got much better and really fell in love with the sport.
What are your thoughts on the Howard program?
We are building something special at Howard. We have broken down barriers with a progressive attitude of nothing can stop us when we put our mind towards a goal. This not only helps on the court but applies to life.
What misconceptions have you heard about HBCU volleyball?
A misconception we hear is the idea HBCU teams are teams who are full of raw athletes but don’t have the most skill. Howard volleyball is a team full of athletes that are skillful at their craft and great athletes on top of that and you can say that about other HBCUs too.
Why should others consider Howard or other HBCUs?
It’s an experience you won’t get anywhere else. Just because it’s not the largest school doesn’t mean it’s a lesser school.
What is your greatest memory outside of the Africa trip? The last MEAC championship. It was my 4th ring and it was on our home court and I got to share it with my favorite people in the world. I actually cried and I normally don’t cry.
Indira Dandridge
Sophomore, Miami, FL
Major: Marketing
Why did you choose Howard?
I really wanted a new and different experience. I sought out a program that would have team success and girls who look like me. I knew my sophomore year of high school I wanted to attend a HBCU. My aunt attended Howard, my great grandparents were Howard alum. It had a strong legacy and history.
How did you learn of Howard?
I reached out to Shaun and expressed my interest in the program via email. It was my dream school. He came to watch me play at a tournament and that started my recruitment.
What were your first Impressions?
The climate is much different than Florida! Also just walking out on the yard (outside public gathering space) and seeing the students hanging out. It felt right and felt like home.
What is your volleyball playing background?
I started playing volleyball at eleven then got really serious about the sport my sophomore year in sense of knowing I wanted to play in college someday.
What are some of the demographic differences between your high school/club teams and Howard?
There were four total black girls in the high school volleyball program and two in my club team my last year. Prior to that I was always the only black girl on my club team.
What are your thoughts on the program?
We are a true definition of a family. We hang out together all the time even outside of the season. The coaching staff is great. They are all open and honest which allows us to know where we can get better.
What misconceptions have you heard about HBCU volleyball?
That we can’t play against the big schools. We were able to win a set against Penn State which showed we can play good volleyball.
Why should others consider Howard or other HBCUs?
They have much to offer. Outside of volleyball the network I get at Howard will help me with my future. I have access to advertising and entertainment businesses to intern with and a radio station on campus. The volleyball side is great but my resources available to help with my future is a great addition.
What is your greatest memory outside of the Africa trip?
Winning the MEAC championship in my first year and playing on national television.
Julian Welsh-White
Assistant Coach
Duties: Working with middle blockers, team travel, technical and electronic guru
Alma Mater: Springfield College
How did you find your way to Howard?
I was in the process of applying to different colleges for coaching jobs when Ciara (Asst. Coach) reached out sharing they were hiring for the position of assistant coach. I knew the history of the institution. I also was aware they had won the last three MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) championships. Once I talked to Shaun and heard more about his vision I knew this was where I wanted to be.
What are some of the biggest differences/challenges you’ve noticed between coaching at Howard in comparison to a Power 5?
It is easily the amount of resources. In regards to staff it’s night and day. We have three full time members of the staff. We had upward of seven to eight at South Carolina with coaches, trainers, and academics. Here at Howard we just hired our second assistant last season. We have learned to work with what we have. We are fortunate to be in a community in which we have people who volunteer their time and resources to help our players on and off the court.
Another difference you will see is the type of athletes at the two schools. Our roster typically doesn’t have many “top ____” lists and though we would like to have some of those on day. We get very talented players who may be overshadowed due to location, size of their club team, or not from a big name club. We get some raw athletes who are very talented and we work hard to continue their development and skill.
What is your role within the coaching staff?
One thing I enjoy is how involved I’m able to be with the whole program and learning some of the things it takes for us to be successful. On the court I help coach our middle blockers. I am also responsible for the technical side like the Data Volley (statistics software) and Vert (jump statistics software) apps. Off the court I take care of the logistical aspects of the program which includes reserving the means of travel, booking hotels, and ordering food.
What is your greatest memory so far as a member of the Howard volleyball program?
Easily first and foremost getting hired to the staff of the Howard volleyball program. For one, it was my first hired position which was a big deal for me. But also the Howard experience is one that can’t be replicated anywhere else. The history and being on campus is unique. The founder’s library, the Obama’s visiting, to Nick Cannon on campus taking classes; it’s a cool place to be. Also a memory I will never forget is our trip to Africa. The fact I was hired then three months later traveling to Africa with our team was pretty cool.
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